A kind-hearted Crieff schoolgirl is busy training for a sponsored swim in a bid to raise money for terminally ill children.

Abigael Brown (13) decided she wanted to help other sick youngsters after spending five months in and out of hospital last year after suffering severe facial neuralgia.

The illness saw Abigael collapse several times and suffer a variety of injuries, including a dislocated knee and a fractured wrist.

She was off school for months but is now back to full health and has returned to her studies at Crieff High School.

Now, she plans to swim 50 lengths in her school pool and hopes sponsors will help her raise at least £600 for the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS).

CHAS is a charity which provides the only hospice services in Scotland for children and young people who are terminally ill.

Abigael explained: “While I was ill, I was in the children’s ward at Ninewells Hospital on numerous occasions where I met some other kids and became good friends with them.

“My condition led me to pass out suddenly and I collapsed several times – I suffered from injuries such as a dislocated knee, fractured wrist and torn ligaments in my ankle.

“The facial pain was also unbearable, however, this is nothing compared to the terminal illnesses the children at CHAS have to deal with. These children and their families need help.

“I want to do something that will help keep their chins up and help them to have fun times with their families.”

Abigael’s dad Andrew (46) is currently helping her train for the challenge and will swim alongside her when she undertakes the one-kilometre swim on February 22.

He said: “Last year was very difficult, the illness came out of nowhere and between March and July, she was in and out of hospital.

“She started talking about doing something to raise money for other children and has always liked swimming so came up with the idea of a sponsored swim.”

Andrew said that it was Abigael’s own decision to support CHAS after hearing about the organisation and the inspiring work it does for very sick youngsters.

He added: “My wife Sharon and I are so proud of her and I think it’s really helping her in her recovery to do this.”

Andrew said that Abigael, who has a 10-year-old sister Rebekah, plans to keep up with her training following the sponsored swim and intends to take part in a Swimathon in April.

Her target for the sponsored swim is £600 and the S2 pupil has set up a CHAS charity page. More than £400 has already been pledged.

Donate online at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AbigaelswimforCHAS

Abigael added: “CHAS need £7 million a year to keep going and I will help raise some of that money to help these children. I am going to keep pushing myself and pushing myself until I reach 50 lengths and see a smile on their faces.”